Bodh Gaya Tourism
Bodhgaya, a must visit destination located in Bihar. It is one of the most vital Buddhist pilgrimage tour destinations. Guatam Buddha attained his enlightenment in Bodhgaya in 534 BC. The region holds many points of interest and spots associated with Lord Budhha. The place attracts lakhs of visitors throughout the year across the globe.
Bodhgaya also consists of a UNESCO heritage site, Mahabodhi temple, making it very popular among tourists. However, Bodhgaya tourism offers a number of monasteries and temples, presenting a chase to explore extra about Lord buddha and his teachings.
While planning a tour to Bodhgaya, take a look at the list below about the top places to go to in Bodhgaya. The list would virtually help you in making your Bodhgaya tour easy.
1.Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi temple, one of the oldest temples not only in Bodhgaya also in India. It is also considered as a very important spot for Buddhist pilgrimage tours. The temple also famous as “great awakening temple” is also a UNESCO heritage site now since 2002 . It is also one of the four holy sites about lord Buddha.
It’s a huge temple, and you can spend 2-3 hours easily at the place. You would definitely find peace here and can relax yourself. Also, try to visit the temple in the morning, you would get a chance to witness monks performing various prostrations.
2.Great Buddha Statue
One of the largest statues of Lord Buddha in Bodhgaya, India. Another must visit attraction of the Buddhist tourism. The statue of Lord Buddha is in a mediating pose seated on a huge lotus. The statue is about 25 meters tall, made of carved sandstone and reg granite, making it a worth visiting. Bodhgaya gets thousands of travelers throughout the year from all over the world.
3.Thai monastery
It is one of Bodh Gaya’s most beautiful monasteries and one of the city’s must-see attractions. It is the only Thai temple in India with a roof made of gold. The monastery was built by the Thai government, hence it has a Thai aesthetic. Inside the monastery, you may see the bronze statue of Lord Buddha.
One of India’s most stunning monasteries is available to visitors during Bodhgaya tourism. The city is a perfect spot to unwind, meditate, and spend some quiet time. Additionally, you can observe the daily morning and evening meditation sessions that are held in the monastery.
4. Royal Bhutan Monastery
You can visit the Royal Bhutan monastery right after visiting the Thai monastery because they are next to one another. A 7-foot statue of Lord Buddha is part of the monastery’s Bhutanese-style construction. It is yet another crucial location for the Lord Buddha visit in terms of Bodhgaya tourism.
The King of Bhutan commissioned the construction of the monastery, which bears the name Royal Bhutan Monastery, as a tribute to Lord Buddha. On the internal walls of the monastery, there are clay carvings that show various facets of Buddhist culture.
5. Bodhi Tree
one of the holiest sites and a key location in Lord Buddha’s life. It is thought that Lord Buddha meditated here for seven days. Prince Gautama, afterwards known as Lord Buddha, is said to have acquired enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. One of the four primary Buddhist pilgrimage sites, the Bodhi tree is a popular tourist destination.
Legend has it that the Buddha frequently strolled between the stupa and the Bodhi tree, and lotus flowers began to bloom along this path. The Jewel Walk or Ratnachakarma is the name given to this walk today.
6. Tibeaten Refugee market
One of the most fascinating things to do in Bodh Gaya tourism is this. Undoubtedly, it is a heaven for shoppers. You can simply wander the market and discover the varied clothing and materials. At the market’s stalls, you can also taste the local cuisine.
From November through March, the market is open and primarily sells warm clothing. Along with clothing, you could also come across other textiles and statues of the Lord Buddha. Most of the proprietors of the stores are of Tibetan descent. Spending two to three hours here is simple.
7. Chinese temple
A must-see sight on a Bodhgaya trip, it is located across from the Mahabodhi temple complex. The temple’s blend of Indian and Chinese architectural styles gives it the appearance of Chinese temples. The approximately 200-year-old figure of Lord Buddha is the temple’s principal draw. Three golden sculptures of Lord Buddha, another of the temple’s key draws, can be seen while you’re there.
The Buddha Jayanti festival is annually celebrated here. Thousands of monks and followers of Lord Buddha from throughout the world attend the celebration.
8. Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple
Another important site to see while in Bodhgaya is the Indosan Nippon Japanese temple. The most sought-after spiritual site in Bodhgaya is a stunning temple. This temple is a prime example of Buddhist traditions and culture and is renowned for its exceptional and gorgeous Japanese architecture.
The temple’s wooden construction is sculpted to resemble a Japanese shrine. It also shows a lot of Japanese paintings describing incidents from the life of Gautam Buddha. International Buddhist communities provided assistance in its construction in 1972.
9. Mahabodhi temple complex book store
Right at the temple’s entrance is the bookstore for the Mahabodhi complex. a wonderful location for book enthusiasts. You can look through numerous religious publications as well as books about Buddhism and its culture. Books about the history of the Mahabodhi temple are also available. You should check out the store since you could find something interesting.
10. Muchalinda Lake
Due to its location close to the Mahabodhi temple, Muchalinda Lake is also known as the Lotus Pond. Another holy site, it is a must-see location in Bodhgaya. It is connected to a mythical story that says Snake King Muchalinda shielded Lord Buddha from the storm.
Many people come to Muchalinda Lake, notably Buddhist monks who use it as a place of meditation because of the area’s beautiful surroundings and serene environment. Thousands of fish inhabit the holy pond water, which you can feed with puffed rice. Due to the decorations and lighting along the lake’s shores, the lake appears stunning at night.
11. Brahmayoni temple
Bodhgaya’s Brahmayoni temple is accessible after ascending 424 steep stone steps. At the top of the hill, where the temple is located, are stunning views of the city. Along with an old temple dedicated to Astabhujadevi, the hill also has two caverns named Brahmayoni and Matreoni. The fire-sermon was delivered by Buddha at Brahmayoni Hill to a thousand formerly fire-worshiping ascetics, and it is stated that each one of them attained enlightenment as a result of hearing his teachings.
12. Cankamana
The Bodhi temple is not far from the Cankamana. Cankamana is a sacred site where the feet of the Lord Buddha are carved into the black stone lotuses.
13. Vishnupad temple
As the name implies, Lord Vishnu was the focus of construction for this temple. Additionally, a basin constructed of silver plates encloses a 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu. You can visit and explore additional temples. The temples honor Lord Narasimha and Phalgwisvara, two of Lord Vishnu’s previous incarnations. It is a significant Bodhgaya pilgrimage site. You can unwind and soothe your spirit here for a half-hour to an hour.
14. Vietnamese temple
One of the most recent pilgrimage sites to be added to Bodhgaya is the Vietnamese temple. The most recent shrine in the neighborhood, Vietnamese Temple, is a serene-looking Buddha figure that radiates a peaceful aura and seems to be grinning.
The temple features a grinning statue of Lord Buddha and was built in the Vietnamese architectural style. The temple provides stunning views of the surrounding vegetation. All year long, it draws tourists from all over the world in addition to domestic travelers.
15. Kundan bazaar
A great site to find books, various local handicrafts, and gifts to take home is Kundan Bazaar. Visitors are increasingly attracted to this modest store inside a hotel. It is next to the Embassy Hotel on the main road and offers a good selection of apparel, gifts, and books. Even though the prices are not excessive, you might haggle if you believe that some of the items are being overcharged.
16. Dungeshwari hills
Lord Buddha spent a few years in Dungeshwari Hills before moving to Bodh Gaya in search of enlightenment. The caves that Gautam Buddha used for shelter and meditation are what are most famous about the hills. Due to its popularity for hiking, it is also a respectable location for trekkers. The area has stunning vistas, so you may take some fantastic photos there. A natural view is provided by the surroundings. Here, one can easily pass a few hours with family or friends.
17. Root Institute for Wisdom Culture
A Buddhist center called Root Institute for Wisdom Culture uses programmes and volunteer work to spread knowledge about wisdom culture. It operates in accordance with Tibetan tradition and is frequently seen as a spiritual retreat that provides a calm setting for learning about and engaging with the culture in its authentic form.
18. Burmese Vihara Monastery
Burmese Vihara Monastery is a spiritual retreat for those who seek to take a vacation from their demanding lives. Located amidst lovely gardens, the calm monastery was built according to traditional Burmese style and features a Buddha Meditation Hall, a library with a significant collection of publications on the teachings of Lord Buddha and a guest house.
19. Sujatha Temple
The Sujatha Temple honors Sujatha, a devout tribal woman who presented pudding to Gautam Buddha. Due to the belief that the sacrifice saved Lord Buddha’s life, the temple is regarded as having significant religious significance. After years of famine, kheer is reported to have been the first food he ate. Gautama Buddha later came to understand that immoderation is ineffective for achieving enlightenment. He kept going and eventually arrived in Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment. In order to commemorate the historical event, a tiny temple was constructed here.
20. Archaeological Society of India Museum
The Archaeological Society of India Museum was founded to house ancient Buddhist and Brahmanical religious artifacts, especially from the Pala era. The galleries, courtyard, and veranda of the museum have displays of magnificent stone and bronze statues and sculptures, panels, rods, plaques, pillars, railings, etc. It is housed inside the Mahabodhi Temple Complex.
Best place to stay in Bodhgaya
All kinds of accommodations are available in Bodhgaya. Depending on your budget, you can choose to stay in decent, affordable hotels or in a luxurious hotel. Additionally, you can search for different resorts with activities and amenities as well as homestays.
Best places to eat in Bodh Gaya
In Bodhgaya, a variety of cuisines are available. On the streets of Bodhgaya, you may also sample some of the regional cuisine. You can have authentic North Indian cuisine at restaurants by ordering the North Indian Thali.
Best time to visit in BodhGaya
From September to February is the ideal season to visit Bodhgaya. The chilly conditions are ideal for exploring Bodhgaya. However, Bodhgaya receives both domestic and foreign tourists all year round.
Things to do in Bodh Gaya
Bodhgaya has a lot to offer and definitely a paradise for Buddha followers. From the above list of places to visit in Bodhgaya you can definitely make a plan for yourself to explore Bodhgaya.
Nearby places for Buddhist tour
You can visit a few more places nearby to Bodhgaya such as rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Varanasi and Sarnath. You need 2-3 days extra to cover up these places as well.
FAQ
What are the top shopping places in Bodh Gaya?
The Tibetan Refugee Market is among the most well-known locations in Bodh Gaya for shopping. Additionally, you can browse Kundan Bazaar for clothing and Buddha airplanes. You can also find good novels and books on Buddhist philosophy and culture if you have a religious or spiritual bent.
What are the top sightseeing places in Bodh Gaya?
Bodhgaya is home to numerous significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. You can visit locations like the Mahabodhi Temple, several monasteries constructed in the Vietnamese architectural style, temples, and lakes.
What are the top restaurants in Bodh Gaya?
The town offers a wide range of cuisines, including native Bihari cuisine as well as Tibetan foods, Italian dishes including pasta and pizza, Thai food, and Korean food. Gaya is known for its sweets as well and is the birthplace of several of them. Enursa, Tilkut, Khaja, Lai, and Kesariya peda, all of which are unique to Bihar, are the main sweets available here. However, since it is a sacred location, you won’t find much non-vegetarian food.
How much does a package cost for Bodh Gaya?
The average cost for a solo foreign traveler could be around $1,296 and for domestic travelers it could be Rs. 8000 – Rs. 10000.
Who built Bodh Gaya temple?
Emperor Asoka constructed the first temple in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the third century B.C., and the current temple was constructed in the fifth and sixth centuries.
Where is Bodh Gaya temple?
The state capital of Bihar, Patna, is located 115 kilometers south of the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya.
How to go to Bodh Gaya?
By air: The distance from Gaya’s city center to its domestic airport is roughly 14 kilometers. Although not all of the cities have domestic flights, most of them offer flights to Bodhgaya.
By Train: The closest railhead, Gaya Junction, is 15 kilometers away. Gaya is connected to important towns in the state and other significant cities around the nation.
By Road: Bodhgaya is well connected to various Indian towns via roadways. Twice daily, the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation offers luxury buses to visitors.
Is Bodh Gaya a world heritage site?
Yes, it is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations for travelers. It also includes many world heritage UNESCO sites such as Mahabodhi temple.
What is the temperature in Bodhgaya in september?
The temperature in Bodhgaya in September varies from 25-35 degrees.
How many days are needed to visit Bodhgaya?
Bodhgaya can be visited in 2 days, and Rajgir and Nalanda can be visited within an additional 2 days.
Why is Bodh Gaya important?
One of the most significant and revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the entire globe is Bodhgaya. The location of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment is Bodhgaya.
Comment (0)